BIOGRAPHY
OLIVER BOKELBERG, ASC, DGA, AMPAS
Bokelberg grew up in his father's Photography Studio, in Hamburg, Germany. Moved to New York City in 1985, and graduated New York University UG Film & TV in 1988.
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His graduation coincided with the premiere of 'YO! MTV RAPS,' and launched his career as cinematographer on countless music videos; creating a distinctive style for Artist such as MC LYTE, REDMAN, and LL COOL J.
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His first feature film CHARMS INCIDENTS was photographed 1995 in Vienna, Austria, and directed by Michael Kreihsl. It was awarded the Caligari Prize at the Berlin Film Festival. Followed by many independent Films; leading up to Sundance Winner 'THE STATION AGENT' in 2003. His collaboration with Tom McCarthy also created THE VISITOR and WIN WIN.
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The Birth of daughter Ava in 2006, prompted Oliver to pursue his career in television. He moved his family to Los Angeles and created the look for many successful network pilots, i.e. DIRTY SEXY MONEY, RAINES, MY OWN WORST ENEMY, SCANDAL, BIG SKY, and most recently ALASKA DAILY, and WILL TRENT.
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SCANDAL was home for 7 years and evoked Oliver's career as Director. Bokelberg directed ten episodes of Scandal; as well as episodes of Station 19, Grey's Anatomy, Big Sky, Alaska Daily, and Will Trent
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He is proud to have partnered with Shonda Rhimes and Debbie Allen on the documentary 'DANCE DREAMS - HOT CHOCOLATE NUTCRACKER', which Oliver conceived, directed, photographed and produced for Netflix.
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In 2022, Bokelberg takes on the role of Co-Executive Producer Director for the Tom McCarthy created ALASKA DAILY, starring Hillary Swank for ABC.
FILMOGRAPHY
Content by Bokelberg
DANCE DREAMS -
Hot Chocolate Nutcracker
Documentary by Oliver Bokelberg
This feature-length Film takes its audience on a journey with 200 Kids ages 4 thru 20. They all share the same dream: to perform in Debbie Allen's Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. Ms. Allen mentors the kids to succeed in more than just dance; it is a rehearsal for the rest of their lives.
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In Development
UNITED STATES VS. DANY G.
A political Thriller, based on true events. An FBI Translator falls for her subject of surveillance, a well known Isis fighter.
THE CREW
Episodic TV Series
An all-girl Black Jack Team takes charge in Las Vegas, but they get in deeper than they bargained for. .
other projects on request
In the Can
SCANDAL
2012-2018
Bokelberg photographed the Pilot for Director Paul McGuigan. And continued as the DP with Shonda Rhimes and her team thru the entire run of the Show: "Thank you Shonda, for giving me the opportunity to direct 10 Episodes."
FEATURE FILMS
Director of Photography
THE STATION AGENT
THE VISITOR
WIN WIN
THE BOUNTY HUNTER
STRANGERS WITH CANDY
THE VISITOR
DARK MATTER
CHARMS INCIDENTS
LOGGERHEADS
HEIMKEHR DER JAEGER
...
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TELEVISION PILOTS
Director of Photography
(* picked up for season)
WORLD OF TROUBLE dir. Stephen Hopkins
*DIRTY, SEXY MONEY dir. Peter Horton
*RAINES dir. Frank Darabont
*SCANDAL dir. Paul McGuigan
*SURVIVORS REMORSE dir. Ken Whitingham
*MY OWN WORST ENEMY dir. David Semel
*UP ALL NIGHT dir. James Griffith
*DEVIOUS MAIDS dir. Paul McGuigan
*TRAUMA dir. Jeffrey Reiner
CRUSHED dir. Scott Ellis
*FOR THE PEOPLE dir. Tom Verica
*BIG SKY dir. Paul McGuigan
*THE ENDGAME dir. Justin Lin
*ALASKA DAILY dir. Tom McCarthy
*WILL TRENT dir. Paul McGuigan
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MUSIC VIDEOS
1988-1995
Mc Lyte, LL Cool J, Shabba Ranks, KRS-One, Redman, Das EFX, Audio Two, Stetsasonic, Republica, Rakim, Branford Marsalis, B.B. King, Run DMC, 3rd Bass, Stereo Mc's, Chantay Savage, Christina Aguilera...
In Addition
Bokelberg enjoys being on the faculty for the Masterclass program of the American Society of Cinematographers. His 8 hour class concentrates on seeing light and implementing lighting concepts, while understanding its impact on actor's performances as well as production. When to consider cross shooting with two or more cameras, and how to go about it successfully?
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Sundance
Film Festival
2003
Audience Award
THE STATION AGENT
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Berlin
Film Festival
1996
Caligari Film Prize
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CHARMS INCIDENTS
ASC
AWARDS
2006
Nominee Pilot
RAINES
Emmy Award
2021
OUTSTANDING TV MOVIE
CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE
New York
Avignon Film Festival
2000
KODAK VISION AWARD
THE CITIZEN
ASC
AWARDS
2007
CHITA
RIVERA
AWARD
2022
Nominee Pilot
MY OWN WORST ENEMY
Nomination
Best Director of a Documentary
DANCE DREAMS